The Mis-Education of the Negro

First published in 1933, The Mis-Education of the Negro is a seminal work in African American thought, penned by historian and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. This timeless classic offers a profound critique of the American educational system and its devastating impact on the development of Black consciousness and self-worth.

Woodson argues that the U.S. education system has systematically marginalized and distorted African American history, creating generations of Black students who are taught to view themselves as inferior and dependent. By replacing accurate historical and cultural teachings with Eurocentric propaganda, institutions produce individuals who are mentally enslaved—conditioned to seek validation from systems that were never built to serve them.

Far from being a passive indictment, Woodson’s work is a passionate call to action. He urges African Americans to reclaim their education, foster independent institutions, and teach future generations their true heritage. His ideas continue to resonate in today's movements for educational equity, cultural awareness, and social justice.

Key Topics Include:

Institutional racism in public education

The psychological effects of cultural erasure

Economic and political implications of miseducation

Strategies for self-empowerment and community education

The necessity of Afrocentric curriculum and identity

The Mis-Education of the Negro remains a foundational text in Black intellectual history—an essential reading for educators, activists, and anyone committed to decolonizing knowledge and restoring pride in African heritage.